first, i'm still numb from the 24 point collapse on MNF. While we certainly ...

Question:

first, i'm still numb from the 24 point collapse on MNF. While we certainly can't put this all on Rivers, are we finally at a point where we have to admit Rivers isn't the elite quarterback we thought he would be at this stage of his career? i believe we can win with him but we'd have to play a lot smarter than we've shown we're capable of.

Answer:

Have said this before: I don't get our culture's infatuation with which NFL quarterback is "elite" and which is not. But as it goes with Philip Rivers, probably fair to shelve that label for as long as he is struggling the way he's been. Rivers had a career-high 20 interceptions in 2011. With nine in six games, he is currently on pace for 24. His decision-making, at times, has been poor, forcing throws that aren't there. His footwork is the pocket has been inconsistent. There was a third-down pass Monday night when Rivers had a wide-open Eddie Royal dragging underneath. Rivers seemed to rush it, tripping despite no pressure and missing Royal. You're right: it's not just on Rivers. We can talk about the pass protection. We can talk about the receivers. But this bye week comes at a perfect time for the Chargers quarterback. He has to iron out the kinks for the stretch run. This team cannot win without him playing winning football, and he knows it. No one is more competitive or wants to guide this team more than Philip Rivers.